Tuesday, January 2, 2018

My Slices of Cake

Join us on Tuesdays with the Two Writing Teachers and others who post. 


 
       I haven't written a post to share on Tuesday since November. Life, meaning the holidays, other writing and reading took me away, and then it seemed as if every Tuesday I still had no good idea to write. I just wrote my 1600th post a few days ago. Then, I realized that many (maybe most) of those posts were slices of my life, parts of my days I wanted to be sure I didn't forget. 

       I haven't been idle. I'm writing more on the side, working on poetry for myself, posting haiku on Facebook and Twitter and working on a picture book story that's important to me. It takes time to focus and think and create. Sometimes I am thrilled with a new word or phrase; sometimes I want to stomp away, frustrated that I know I am "telling" but feel helpless in the "showing".  
        I have been reading, loving other authors' words and illustrators' art. It informs my own writing to see the beauty of the books I read. And I review most, wanting to do my best to reflect back to those creators what I love about their work.
        I have family to spend time with, much time with the granddaughters, and savoring the visit from my out-of-state son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. I feel blessed that one family is near and the other comes to visit often. We all had a terrific holiday together, over too soon!
       A piece of my cake that has become larger is my work at the used bookstore. I am still the volunteer coordinator (the store, a non-profit, runs entirely on volunteers) but through need because of illness of one of the managers, I am now on the management team and on the board. I feel obligated to do more. I do love the store, the people with whom I work, the customers, too, but it is taking more time.

And I miss all of you, discovering what you are writing, the how and when and where of your words. So here I am beginning the year with a "slice of cake", chocolate for me with creamy icing, perhaps a scoop of ice cream on the side. Happy 2018 to all. May it be a year of good things despite the worries in the news!

22 comments:

  1. Sometimes we need a little time to ourselves to regroup and replenish. Sounds like you've been doing that. Good to have you back!

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    1. Thanks, Barbara, it's good to hear from you, too!

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  2. Glad you're back, Linda. Yes, life happens and so often it distracts us from things we want to do. It is easy to put off writing a SOL - I know because i have done it. Glad you had a terrific holiday with kids and grandkids. Looking forward to your posts in 2018. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you, Bob, it was rather nice to write this am. Happiest of New Years to you, too!

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  3. Well, I have been out of the 'slicing world' for way too long and it was fun to catch up with you and your world a bit Linda. Your life is very full and satisfying. I'm glad you treated yourself to chocolate cake. xo nanc

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    1. Wow, I know you've been "out" too, and it's great to hear from you! Yes, couldn't resist that chocolate cake!

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  4. I'm so glad for you and I love hearing about the journeys you are on whenever you share. Writing work shifts and I can imagine how the book store community fills you up. Even though you haven't been slicing as much, I always feel your presence in this loving community. Inside and out. Happy New Year! Wishing you lots of love and lots of doing!

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    1. Thanks, Julieanne, for those wonderful wishes! I know that we've connected in other ways, too and that has been very good, indeed. It is challenging to fit in all the parts, but there is rarely anything I want to miss!

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  5. Your life is rich and sweet, and all because you are the main ingredient. May you have time to do everything (and more) than you wish!

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    1. Well, I'm wishing that, too, Terje! Thank you! Now I just need to read about four books in the next few days!

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  6. Just a note to tell you how much I enjoy your haikus and accompanying photo on Facebook. Today's especially connected with me as I begin the task of taking down the Christmas decorations

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    1. Thanks, Deb, I have enjoyed the writing of them very much. It is rather bittersweet to take it all away, isn't it? I have one box left to go through and clean out. Some of the 'stuff' has been there too long. Otherwise, like always, the house seems way too clean!

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  7. I was feeling the same way, except my last post was September! It's always good to know that you're not alone in your efforts to become better. I got a lot of time to read recently and it sparked some creative juices I forgot I had.
    Enjoy your family and the time you spend doing things you love! Happy New Year!

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    1. It seems that there are a few of us who haven't been writing. Thanks for sharing, Melissa. Let's keep going! And Happy New Year to you, too!

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  8. I too have been absent of late...for different and yet the same reasons....as LIFE and busyness have kept me preoccupied....but I SO MISS this community...and my friends...and the words of inspiration....PLUS I am reminded that the more you write the easier it is to write~ Welcome back.

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    1. Lovely to hear from you, Anita. I didn't see that you had posted, have been doing some other work this evening. Thank you!

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  9. Glad you are back Linda. Loved your slice. We all have times when we step back - needing time away. Happy New year to you and yours.

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    1. Thanks, Beverley, I'm glad to hear from you as well! Happy New Year!

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  10. Working at a bookstore would be so lovely!
    Time with family so precious!

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  11. One thing about this slicing community is the fluidity of being able to come and go. I was out for a few weeks, too. Difficult family situations made it difficult to write. I love imagining you in the bookstore, talking to people about books and being a sunshine when they walk in.

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    1. Thanks, Margaret, I am grateful that I've discovered the bookstore! It is nice to feel okay about not writing every week.

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